One in five Britons feels stressed on a daily basis and nearly half say stress leaves them feeling depressed or down, according to a new survey out today.
The research conducted for Samaritans found that 40% of people thought they were more stressed today than five years ago. The biggest cause of stress was work, followed by worries about money, family, health and the future for children or grandchildren. The MORI poll was carried out to mark the Samaritan's awareness and fundraising week, which ends on Saturday (24 May).
The poll of 1,885 adults across the UK found that 27% of people went for a walk and a quarter talked to a friend or relative to cope with stress. Worryingly around 23% of people turned to alcohol when stressed, while a third used the TV or music to switch-off and 18% smoked.
Some 15% said they did nothing to try to deal with the stress and simply adopted a "stiff upper lip" and "got on with things".
A quarter of those who got stressed felt isolated by it, nearly half were left feeling depressed and one in eight believed they had nowhere to turn.
Dr Raj Persaud, a psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital, said: "Whilst the levels of Britons who have been depressed or suicidal as a consequence of stress may seem shocking, in many ways, it's not surprising that modern life takes such a heavy toll on people today.
"The social support structures that used to help people to cope by getting things off their chest, such as extended family and neighbours, no longer exist in the same way that they did."
Samaritans chief executive, Simon Armson, added: "We would urge people to try to deal with stress as positively as they can rather than ignoring it, or turning to alcohol or smoking. If feelings are bottled up or ignored, they can lead to more severe emotional distress in the long run.
"Ultimately, by talking about problems it's possible to gain a sense of perspective that can make it easier to cope. During Samaritans Week, and every week, we are here 24 hours a day for everyone, everywhere."
